From Chaos to Clarity: Mastering Overwhelm

Let’s talk about a topic that resonates with many of us: overwhelm.

It’s something we’ve all felt at one point or another—when life seems to throw too much our way, and we find ourselves struggling to keep up.

In recent weeks, I’ve experienced my fair share of overwhelm. Just this past few weeks, we celebrated my husbands 50th birthday with a full weekend of activities. ????

On top of that, I’ve been working flat out, dealt with significant health issues of family members, and tackled the stress of kids going back to school.

That's the thing, life can often feel chaotic, can’t it?

And if you throw dealing with perimenopause symptoms on top of everything, you can feel at breaking point.

So, let’s take a moment.

Ask yourself: Why am I feeling so overwhelmed right now?

What’s spinning around in my head?

If you’ve got a pen and paper handy, I encourage you to jot down everything that’s buzzing in your mind. Trust me, it will help!

Overwhelm vs. Overload

Before diving into solutions, it’s essential to distinguish between being overwhelmed and being overloaded. Overwhelm is an internal feeling—an emotional response to the chaos around us. It’s how we react to everything coming at us. Overload, on the other hand, is the sheer volume of tasks and responsibilities that exceed our capacity.

Think of it this way: Overload occurs when the amount of stuff on your plate doesn’t match the time you have to manage it. If you’re constantly at capacity and struggling to keep up, you’re likely to feel overwhelmed. Recognizing whether you're dealing with overwhelm or overload can help you address the situation more effectively.

Acknowledging Internal Pressures

It’s also worth considering how much of our overwhelm is self-imposed. We often put immense internal pressure on ourselves. Ask yourself: Do I have perfectionist tendencies? Am I a people pleaser? Am I holding myself to impossible standards? Do I jump into micro-management and take responsibility for everything?

These internal pressures can amplify feelings of overwhelm, creating a cycle that’s hard to break. Recognizing this is the first step toward managing it. Sometimes, just acknowledging these feelings can be a powerful way to lighten the load.

Strategies for Overcoming Overwhelm

So, what can we do about it? Here are some practical strategies to help you navigate through overwhelm:

1. Recognize Your Triggers: Take note of what typically overwhelms you. Is it a particular task? A specific situation? Understanding your triggers allows you to address them head-on. Create a list of scenarios that tend to push you toward overwhelm, and when they arise, you’ll be better prepared.
2. Reframe Your Thoughts: Instead of labelling it as “impostor syndrome,” give your feelings a quirky name that diminishes their power. The more light-hearted the label, the less intimidating it becomes! By reframing your thoughts, you create distance from those feelings and gain the ability to respond more rationally.
3. Focus on Small Wins: Break your tasks into smaller, manageable pieces. Celebrate your achievements, no matter how small. This helps build momentum and confidence. Each small win is a step toward a bigger goal, and acknowledging them can boost your morale.
4. Practice Self-Care: Make time for activities that recharge you. Whether it’s reading, exercising, or spending time with loved ones, self-care is essential for maintaining your mental well-being. It’s not a luxury; it’s a necessity. Schedule regular breaks and give yourself permission to indulge in what makes you happy.
5. Set Boundaries: Learn to say no to things that drain your energy. Protect your time and prioritise what truly matters to you. This is not selfish; it’s necessary for your well-being. Remember, every time you say yes to something, you’re saying no to something else—potentially something that matters more to you.
6. Seek Support: Surround yourself with a supportive network. Share your experiences with trusted friends or colleagues who can provide encouragement and understanding. Sometimes, just knowing you’re not alone can make a world of difference.
7. Have Fun: Don’t underestimate the power of laughter and joy! Schedule time for fun activities that bring you joy. This can be a game-changer in combating overwhelm. Make it a point to try something new or revisit a hobby you love—it’s amazing how a little joy can shift your mindset.

The Importance of Accountability

As we move forward, it’s crucial to hold ourselves accountable. Establish regular check-ins with yourself or a supportive colleague. Assess your current state—what’s working, what’s not, and what adjustments need to be made.

In my experience, I’ve seen remarkable transformations in the women I work with. By implementing these strategies, they’ve moved from being overwhelmed to feeling empowered and confident in their abilities. Accountability can help keep you on track and ensure that you’re making progress.

Recognizing Warning Signs

As we navigate overwhelm, it’s also important to recognize the warning signs before things spiral out of control. What are your early indicators that you’re approaching overwhelm? For me, it often manifests as increased distraction or irritability. I notice I’m less patient with my family, or I find myself scrolling through social media instead of focusing on what really needs my attention.

It’s essential to identify your own warning signs. Do you become forgetful? Do you withdraw from social activities? Recognizing these signs early can help you take action before reaching a breaking point.

You are NOT alone

Overwhelm can feel like an insurmountable barrier, but it’s one we can overcome with the right mindset and strategies. I encourage you to take a moment to reflect on your own experiences with overwhelm and consider how you can begin to implement these changes in your life.

By actively working to manage your overwhelm, you not only improve your health and relationships but also enhance your career and overall well-being.

I’d love to hear your thoughts, experiences, and any strategies that have worked for you. Together, we can support each other in this journey toward greater confidence and success.

If reading this resonated with you, and you're juggling life’s chaos along with the added challenge of perimenopause, you're not alone – and there's support available.

I’m hosting a free webinar, Peri-Power: Navigating Menopause and Your Career on the 21st of October at 7pm, where we’ll dive deeper into practical strategies to help you manage both your symptoms and your career with confidence. It’s time to take back control, reduce overwhelm, and thrive, not just survive, during this phase of life.

Sign up here – and don’t hesitate to invite a friend or colleague who might need this too. Let’s navigate this together!